Geraldine Thomas

Geraldine Thomas, age 71, of Clairfield, TN, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 6, 2026. She was born on February 21, 1954, in Clairfield, TN, to the late John and Mable Webb Hamblin, who preceded her in death.

Geraldine, lovingly known as “George,” filled every room with laughter and sweetness. From her earliest years, she cared deeply for her siblings, always ready with a smile or a helping hand. When she met her soulmate Gary, their love became the foundation of a beautiful life together, lasting 47 years. Gary’s nickname for her—George—quickly became a badge of affection that friends and family carried with pride.

George’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and later Mamaw. She poured her heart into raising her daughters, Joanie and Casey, teaching them to live with kindness, respect, and faith. Whether it was a play, a basketball game, or any activity they dreamed of, George was there—cheering loudly, encouraging endlessly, and loving unconditionally.

Her heart grew even bigger when Jenna and Mia came along. As Mamaw George, she was their biggest fan, clapping from the audience at dance recitals and treasuring late-night talks that stretched into the early morning. Those conversations, full of wisdom and laughter, became cherished memories for her granddaughters.

Faith was the center of George’s life. A devoted member of Valley Creek Missionary Baptist Church, she sang in the choir and prayed nightly by her bedside for her family and friends. She loved sharing her faith, reading her Bible, and reminding those around her to trust in Jesus. George also found joy in the simple things—long phone calls with her sisters and brother Densil that turned into hours of laughter, sewing and cooking (especially for her son-in-law Bucky), and loving her nieces and nephews as if they were her own.

In addition to her parents, Geraldine is preceded in death by her sisters, Carol Davis and Lisa Hamblin Barnes; brothers, Jerry Hamblin and Eddie Hamblin; special nephew, Joseph Hurst and special niece, Bridgit Waldroop.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Thomas; her daughters, Joanie (Bucky) Gilbert and Casey Thomas; grandchildren, Jenna Reese Gilbert and Mia Kruze Gilbert; and her siblings, Donnie (Ellen) Hamblin, John Jr. (Darlene) Hamblin, Denzil (Becky) Hamblin, Peggy (Joe) Hurst, Edith Waldroop, Bernice (Lee) Waldroop, Patty (Danny) Taylor; and Stacy Hamblin. She is also survived by a host of special nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much; and some very “dear to her heart” church friends.

Her legacy is one of love, faith, and encouragement. George’s laughter, her cheering voice, and her unwavering devotion will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.

The family of Geraldine Thomas will receive friends on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Jordan Graves presiding. The obituary will be read by Wesley Marcum, and music will be provided by the Valley Creek Missionary Baptist Church Singers and Kelly and Vickie Davis.

Family and friends will meet at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Valley Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Clairfield, TN, where graveside services will be held.  Pallbearers will be Jonathon King, Bradley Marlow, Matthew Taylor, Rocky Waldroop, Bucky Gilbert, Danny Taylor, Landon Waldroop and Jacob Waldroop. Honorary pallbearers will be Amanda Watkins, Elisha Tiller, Nora Marlow, Nikki Gibson and Brittany Shelton.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com. All arrangements for Geraldine Thomas are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.